According to Thai PBS Verify, which reviews and screens news for veracity to reduce the spread of fake news, the video features doctored images and audio of the Cambodian Ministry of National Defense’s Lieutenant General Maly Socheata, combined with Thai-language texts, purportedly expressing regret over Thailand’s refusal to provide medical treatment to Cambodians, particularly soldiers. AI deepfake technology and voice cloning were used to fabricate the content, to make it appear that the Cambodian spokesperson was speaking Thai.
A user reposted the clip on X (formerly Twitter), along with a caption, which translates as: “What the heck, Mali? You insult Thailand every day. Now you’re sulking that Siam (Thailand) has no sympathy, not treating injured Cambodian soldiers in Thailand.”
The post had 1.5 million views, 1,000 reposts, 7,500 reactions and over 1,100 comments. The same clip has also been posted and reposted on other X accounts and YouTube channels.
Thai PBS Verify has used the verification tool from deepware.ai, confirming that the voice and visuals in the video had been manipulated using AI deepfake techniques. The synchronisation between the speaker’s lip movements and voice appear unnatural, indicating a deliberate alteration.
No rejection of Cambodian patients – Public Health Minister
Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin has already addressed the rumours that Thai hospitals near the Cambodia border have refused to treat Cambodian patients. He confirmed that medical services are still being provided, in accordance with humanitarian and human rights principles. No Cambodian patients have been rejected by Thai hospitals, he said.
Somsak explained that a temporary suspension only applied to Cambodian nationals working as interpreters in the hospitals. He added that further guidance will follow discussions with the Cambodian Ministry of Defense, scheduled to begin on August 4th.
Consequences of fake news
The spreading of such fake news and disinformation risks harming bilateral relations and worsening existing border tensions. The false narrative that Thailand denied medical assistance could mislead the public and erode trust between the two nations, while also damaging humanitarian cooperation.
Moreover, the video’s content may incite hatred and fuel conflict.
Misrepresentation of high-ranking foreign officials can also lead to an increase in online hate speech and deepen societal division, escalating political or diplomatic tensions.
Such disinformation undermines public understanding, potentially causing unjustified suspicion towards Thai government agencies and medical personnel.
